Peter Fitch

Pronouns: He/him
Hometown: Woodinville, Washington
Program Pathway: Full-time
Expected Graduation: 2027

I grew up in the Seattle area and studied Economics/math at Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA. After college I shared my love of math with local students as an educator at the Seattle Universal Math Museum. I came to Evans to learn about education policy and to become a more effective leader. In my free time I love swimming, running, watching and playing sports, and being outside.

What has been your favorite part of being a part of the Evans community?

My favorite part about the Evans community is how accessible the professors and administration are. Professors genuinely enjoy teaching, and they are very invested in student success. I have found the entire Evans community to be incredibly welcoming and supportive. Evans is full of students, alumni, and faculty who are passionate about public service and leadership.

What surprised you most when you started the MPA program?

I was surprised and impressed by just how wide the range of experiences my fellow students bring to Evans. We have students coming straight from undergraduate programs and students who are switching careers after decades in the workforce. We have international students and students from many different parts of the country, and we have students like myself who grew up in the PNW. We have people with backgrounds in nonprofits, the private sector, education, environmental policy, healthcare, and so many other fields. Learning alongside people with such a wide range of perspectives has enriched my experience here at Evans.

What advice would you give to someone considering the program? Why did you choose Evans?

I would encourage prospective students to visit campus or reach out to current students however possible. I chose Evans because I believe that the core curriculum sets up each MPA student to be an effective leader in any organization they are a part of. Equally important as the coursework are the connections you make at Evans. Before coming to Evans, I had the opportunity to participate in a virtual admitted students open house, a campus tour, and an in-person event at Parrington Hall. In these few quick interactions with the Evans community, it became immediately clear that these were the types of driven, service-oriented people that I wanted to surround myself with.

What has been your favorite class so far, and why?

I really enjoyed Financial Management and Budgeting with Professor Sharon Kioko. This is a core class that all MPA students take in their first quarter. Understanding how to read and analyze financial statements and prepare a budget are key skills for leaders in any public institution. The class was very well organized, the content felt very applicable and important, and Professor Kioko is outstanding at lecturing and presenting information clearly.